Horseshoe Resort - Everything You Need to Know

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Location

Location: 101 Horseshoe Valley Rd W, Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8

Suggested duration: 6-8 hours

Opening Hours

Daily – 9:00am-9:00pm

Official Website

How to get there?

Click here for directions

Table of Contents

Horseshoe Ski Resort In Ontario

Horseshoe Resort is situated in a region known for its abundant snowfall, referred to as a natural snow belt. It is conveniently located about 15 minutes north of Barrie and is encompassed by the captivating terrain of the Copeland Forest. Experience the exhilaration of skiing with 28 ski slopes, including 20 that are available for night skiing. Enjoy a vertical rise of 304 feet and access to 5 lifts.

Additionally, take advantage of Ontario’s longest beginner’s carpet and a newly constructed Terrain Park. Horseshoe will provide an abundance of exhilaration to satisfy your desires!

Why not give cross-country skiing a try while you’re here? Horseshoe boasts an impressive 30 kilometers of meticulously maintained double track routes, making it one of the premier destinations for cross country skiing in Canada.

The recently extended tube park, completed in the 2017-18 season, currently has the longest snow tubing slope in Ontario. Additionally, it is equipped with a magic carpet that efficiently transports riders back to the top of the hill. Furthermore, you have the option to don snowshoes or ride a fat bike to venture into the exquisite surroundings of the Copeland Forest. Indulge in delectable dining choices and treat yourself to the comprehensive services of the Amba Spa. Perfect for fun-filled family holidays, annual retreats, and conferences.

Before you Arrive:

Remember to pack your essentials: goggles, boots, helmet, and skis or snowboard. Choosing appropriate attire can significantly impact the outcome of a first-time experience, hence it is advisable for adventurers to wear multiple layers of clothing.

Begin by wearing moisture-wicking base layers, cover on an insulating mid-layer, and complete the overalls with a waterproof and breathable upper layer. Remember to bring your gloves and a cozy hat!

Getting to Horseshoe Resort

Directions

 The location is strategically situated and easily accessible from major urban areas. Located in close proximity to Toronto, simply follow Highway 400 North and take Exit 117 for Horseshoe Valley Road. You’ll find Horseshoe resort waiting with open arms and snowy slopes!

Parking

There is an ample amount of parking available to accommodate vehicles, and parking is provided free of charge, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Map

Enhance your navigation skills with the use of a map. It identifies all the major spots you should check out, including rental stores for supplies, beginner slopes for your first thrilling descent, and facilities for entertainment and fuel.

Activities to do

“Your base camp for adventure” is a slogan that you may have heard or seen in advertisements for Horseshoe Resort in Barrie. If you are unaware or unfamiliar with the information, Horseshoe Resort has recently constructed a novel adventure park that offers enjoyable activities suitable for all members of the family. Within the new park, you have the opportunity to engage in zorbing, an activity that involves being enclosed within a sizable sphere and propelled down a slope, experiencing rolling and bouncing motions. It is worth noting that this park is the inaugural zorb park in Canada.

Experience the exhilarating sensation of the wind across your face as you glide at high speed over a distance of 2000 ft on Canada’s sole Zip Flyer.

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Elevate your life by scaling the towering structure that reaches a height of 32 feet. Experience an incredible rush of excitement as you navigate through the various trails of the newly constructed downhill mountain biking park, which includes challenging obstacles such as ladders, bridges, and boxes.

Do you prefer skateboarding or BMX? Please bring your skateboard, bicycle, or roller skates and explore the newly constructed skate park.

Horseshoe Resort offers a multitude of innovative features, making it the ideal destination for adventure seekers. Horseshoe also has two golf courses, The Highlands and Valley, horseback riding, a Shizen spa, skiing and snowboarding, and a ton of other activities for those looking for more laid-back pursuits. Experience your next thrilling escapade at Horseshoe.

At this location, you have the opportunity to engage in various activities such as playing mini-golf, participating in gemstone panning, navigating a maze and obstacle course, climbing and swinging through a slackline course, floating on Horseshoe Lake, paddling in a kayak, sliding down a slip-and-slide, or enjoying a picturesque chairlift ride. Horseshoe Resort provides the opportunity for a thrilling and gravity-defying experience with euro bungy jumping. Unlike conventional bungee jumping, which involves leaping from a fixed structure, euro bungee jumping use a trampoline to achieve more elevation.

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Two nine-hole golf courses—the Valley Course and the Par 3 Course—are available at Horseshoe Resort.

Featuring fairways that span three lines and picturesque gardens, the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Skiing and Snowboarding:

The main attraction at Horseshoe is, of course, the skiing and snowboarding. With 29 well-groomed trails and 7 lifts, there’s no shortage of options for riders. Whether you’re a beginner sticking to the bunny hills or an expert tackling the black diamonds, Horseshoe has a slope for you.

The resort also offers lessons for those new to the sport, making it an ideal place to learn and improve your skills.

To hit the slopes at Horseshoe Ski Resort, you’ll need a lift pass. Passes can be purchased online through the resort’s website or in person at the ticket counter. It’s recommended to buy passes in advance, especially during weekends and holidays when the resort tends to be busier. Lift passes are typically available for full-day or half-day sessions. Rentals for skiing or snowboarding equipment are conveniently available on-site for those who don’t have their own gear.

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is an exciting winter activity that provides a terrific rush of adrenaline, requiring no prior expertise. Ontario boasts numerous excellent tubing hills, with Horseshoe Valley, located just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, including the longest tubing hill in the entire province.

In 2017, the resort expanded the length of its tube hill by twofold and incorporated an additional descent, resulting in a total distance of well over 600 meters to descend rapidly. The opening descent is exceptionally steep, propelling riders at a thrilling velocity.
There are a total of five slides available for descending, in addition to a magical carpet that swiftly transports you back to the hill’s summit.

Horseshoe Resort is a popular destination during winter, attracting many visitors with its ski and snowboard slopes, as well as a vast network of trails suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and fat riding.

A two-hour tubing pass can be acquired for $26 on weekdays, while a three-hour permit is available on weekends and holidays, starting at $46. These passes can be purchased online or at an outdoor kiosk, 30 minutes before the pass start time. Snow tubing is offered on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Terrain Parks

For the thrill-seekers and tricksters, Horseshoe boasts three terrain parks with jumps, rails, and features suitable for all levels. Whether you’re perfecting your first grab or going for a 360 spin, the terrain parks provide endless fun and challenges for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

For those itching to showcase their tricks in the terrain parks, access is included with your lift pass. The parks cater to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Safety first – ensure you’re familiar with the park rules, wear appropriate protective gear, and always be mindful of others sharing the features. Horseshoe offers freestyle clinics for those looking to improve their park skills; check the schedule and sign up in advance.

Cross-Country Skiing

For those seeking a more serene experience, Horseshoe has several kilometers of cross-country skiing trails. Glide through the snow-covered forests and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to explore the winter landscape at a more relaxed pace.

For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, passes for the trails are available at the resort. Bring your own equipment or rent skis on-site. The cross-country trails are well-maintained, and trail maps are provided, indicating the level of difficulty for each route. Check the trail conditions and weather before heading out, and always be aware of trail etiquette.

Mountain biking trails

Horseshoe Resort provides a selection of 12 terrain specifically designed for downhill mountain biking. Featuring a diverse range of terrains suitable for both experienced and novice riders, this location offers something to cater to all skill levels. Alternatively, you have the option to use cross-country bikes and explore the riding paths. In the winter season, visitors have the opportunity to engage in snow fat biking.

Après-Ski Activities

The fun doesn’t end when you leave the slopes. Horseshoe Ski Resort offers a range of après-ski activities to wind down and warm up. Relax by the fire in the cozy lodge, grab a hot cocoa or a mulled wine, and share stories of your day on the snow with fellow winter enthusiasts.

After a day of outdoor fun, unwind in the resort’s lodge. There’s no need for a pass to enjoy the après-ski activities. Cozy up by the fire, grab a hot beverage from the cafĂ©, and relive your day on the slopes. The lodge often hosts evening entertainment, so check the schedule for live music or other events.

Lift Tickets

The price of a weekend daytime lift ticket is $53 for adults aged 17 to 59, and $49 for youngsters aged 6 to 16 and seniors aged 60 and above. On weekends, the cost of unlimited ski tickets, which also cover night skiing, is $56 for adults and $49 for juniors and seniors. During regular weekdays that are not holidays, the price of an unlimited lift ticket decreases to $37 for all individuals. The cost of a novice ski or snowboard package, which encompasses a four-hour lift ticket, equipment rentals, and a group lesson, amounts to $69. The cost of a ski or snowboard rental package begins at $35 per day. Horseshoe Resort offers the option to rent helmets for a fee of $10. For avid skiers and snowboarders, a season pass is the most cost-effective option. The cost of these passes is $599 for those between the ages of 17 and 59, and $449 for individuals between the ages of 6 and 16, as well as anyone who are 60 years old or older.

Ernest Alfred at the Horseshoe Resort, Ontario in December 2023.
Ernest Alfred at the Horseshoe Resort, Ontario in December 2023.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Horseshoe Ski Resort in Ontario is a winter wonderland that caters to skiers, snowboarders, and winter enthusiasts of all kinds. With its diverse range of activities, cozy accommodations, and scenic surroundings, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable winter getaway. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and embrace the magic of winter at Horseshoe Ski Resort!

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